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Finley #1
Orca
Prey on the innocent … and I’ll come for you.
War didn't change me … but four months as the enemy's captive did. I return home broken. Scarred. The call to combat still echoes in my soul. Haunted by the deaths of my squad, darkness festers inside me, set on vengeance.
When I learn a serial killer has taken the lives of seven little girls, nothing will get in my way of stopping him. And every other predator that crosses my path. Unlike the police, I’m not bound by man-made laws. The victims deserve freedom, or their deaths avenged.
How long will it take for the police to realise a woman is leaving bodies hanging across the city?
War didn't change me … but four months as the enemy's captive did. I return home broken. Scarred. The call to combat still echoes in my soul. Haunted by the deaths of my squad, darkness festers inside me, set on vengeance.
When I learn a serial killer has taken the lives of seven little girls, nothing will get in my way of stopping him. And every other predator that crosses my path. Unlike the police, I’m not bound by man-made laws. The victims deserve freedom, or their deaths avenged.
How long will it take for the police to realise a woman is leaving bodies hanging across the city?
- GenresThriller
237 pages, ebook
Published November 24, 2020
70 people are currently reading
215 people want to read
About the author
Mariëtte Whitcomb
11 books111 followersMariëtte Whitcomb studied criminology and psychology at the University of Pretoria. An avid reader of psychological thrillers and true crime books, writing allows her to pursue her childhood dream to hunt criminals, albeit fictional and born in the darkest corners of her imagination.
When Mariëtte isn’t writing, she’s either rock climbing or working on her golf swing.
When Mariëtte isn’t writing, she’s either rock climbing or working on her golf swing.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
February 25, 2021
4☆ Pacy, Gritty Gripping and a lil bit Chilling
Orca is a pacy, gripping and Thrilling read that is different to anything I've read.
I'm not going to talk about the plot as you can read that, but what I will say is this book is a lil gruesome at times and certainly hard hitting. But also addictive to the point you have to keep reading despite wanting to cover your eyes.
The main character Finley is a kick ass female vigilante dead set on bringing down the bad guys, and wow is she good!
Her character shouldn't be likeable but you can't help notice how much she gets under your skin, and for me that's how you know a character is well written!
This is the first book in a new series and I'm really excited to see what's next.
Thank you to Damppebbles Tours for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
You can Find this Review and all my Other Reviews on My Blog :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2021/0...
Orca is a pacy, gripping and Thrilling read that is different to anything I've read.
I'm not going to talk about the plot as you can read that, but what I will say is this book is a lil gruesome at times and certainly hard hitting. But also addictive to the point you have to keep reading despite wanting to cover your eyes.
The main character Finley is a kick ass female vigilante dead set on bringing down the bad guys, and wow is she good!
Her character shouldn't be likeable but you can't help notice how much she gets under your skin, and for me that's how you know a character is well written!
This is the first book in a new series and I'm really excited to see what's next.
Thank you to Damppebbles Tours for this copy which I reviewed honestly and voluntarily.
You can Find this Review and all my Other Reviews on My Blog :-
https://dashfan81.blogspot.com/2021/0...
August 16, 2021
I love vigilante stories, and if you make the vigilante female, that’s even better! Let her use her badassery in slightly gory, sometimes brutal ways, and I’m a raving fan. Mariette Whitcomb has brought this all together in the Finley series and I’m 100% here for it.
February 7, 2021
The first thing which sprung to mind about this book when I sat down to write this review was…how do I write this review? How can I do this book justice, and tell the world how exceptional it is?
I was completely blown away with Orca, it twists the senses and has you hooked from the very first sentence, it’s not one for those who like a lighter read, this is hard-hitting, brutally honest and which tackles some seriously haunting topics.
The opening is gripping, we meet the main character; Finley Williams, returns home after four months of being a captive, the ordeal has obviously affected her not just physically but she has been diagnosed with both PTSD and survivors guilt after seeing her entire squad brutally killed before her eyes while she walked free.
Finley is a cracking character she has been through her own hell, she is fierce, strong, determined, protective and full of anger at the injustice of those who have been let down, she has battled her own demon’s not exactly successfully but that raw vengeance and fragility which is mashing up together in her troubled mind makes her the avenging angel she becomes.
She isn’t the stereotypical heroine, she has plenty of flaws which makes you question her decisions and at times her sanity, but she is an impressive woman for sure and you have to admire her grit and thirst to avenge those wronged and I also love that on top of her single-handedly running around like a vigilante …or maybe like bat-woman? There is also the hint of a romance for her, in the form of a super sniper; Marcel.
Orca is written in the first person, we see the entirety of the thrilling storyline through the troubled eyes of our leading lady; Finley. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Finley, she is a wonderfully complex character who has a real passion for helping these young and abused women tell their stories and getting the justice they deserve.
First-person narratives have always been a little hit and miss with me, but Whitcomb’s writing style is engrossing, I love the way she puts the reader right in the middle of the scene, she pulls you into Finley’s fragile yet constantly active mind.
Orca isn’t the easiest books to read, it’s emotionally exhausting, brutally vivid and plays games with your imagination, but saying that you will be bowled over by a plot which is both intricately woven, disturbing and compelling and also heart-breaking and unnerving.
There is something very relatable about this book, the plot is like something from tabloid breaking news, but it’s the raw human emotion especially that of Finley which really captures you. The plot is dark and has been pulled from the darkest recesses of the mind, there is a believability about it which is both shocking and engaging.
Orca is an exceptional debut, I thoroughly enjoyed being transported into Whitcomb’s dark world and I can’t wait to return again, which I hope will be very soon.
I was completely blown away with Orca, it twists the senses and has you hooked from the very first sentence, it’s not one for those who like a lighter read, this is hard-hitting, brutally honest and which tackles some seriously haunting topics.
The opening is gripping, we meet the main character; Finley Williams, returns home after four months of being a captive, the ordeal has obviously affected her not just physically but she has been diagnosed with both PTSD and survivors guilt after seeing her entire squad brutally killed before her eyes while she walked free.
Finley is a cracking character she has been through her own hell, she is fierce, strong, determined, protective and full of anger at the injustice of those who have been let down, she has battled her own demon’s not exactly successfully but that raw vengeance and fragility which is mashing up together in her troubled mind makes her the avenging angel she becomes.
She isn’t the stereotypical heroine, she has plenty of flaws which makes you question her decisions and at times her sanity, but she is an impressive woman for sure and you have to admire her grit and thirst to avenge those wronged and I also love that on top of her single-handedly running around like a vigilante …or maybe like bat-woman? There is also the hint of a romance for her, in the form of a super sniper; Marcel.
Orca is written in the first person, we see the entirety of the thrilling storyline through the troubled eyes of our leading lady; Finley. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know Finley, she is a wonderfully complex character who has a real passion for helping these young and abused women tell their stories and getting the justice they deserve.
First-person narratives have always been a little hit and miss with me, but Whitcomb’s writing style is engrossing, I love the way she puts the reader right in the middle of the scene, she pulls you into Finley’s fragile yet constantly active mind.
Orca isn’t the easiest books to read, it’s emotionally exhausting, brutally vivid and plays games with your imagination, but saying that you will be bowled over by a plot which is both intricately woven, disturbing and compelling and also heart-breaking and unnerving.
There is something very relatable about this book, the plot is like something from tabloid breaking news, but it’s the raw human emotion especially that of Finley which really captures you. The plot is dark and has been pulled from the darkest recesses of the mind, there is a believability about it which is both shocking and engaging.
Orca is an exceptional debut, I thoroughly enjoyed being transported into Whitcomb’s dark world and I can’t wait to return again, which I hope will be very soon.
May 5, 2021
I LOVE Finley! I can’t wait to get my hands on book two.
Full review on Instagram @thriller_chick
Full review on Instagram @thriller_chick
February 11, 2021
Welcome to hell. The dark web...the dark abyss...the depravity of the world. Stupid little sharkys. Tick-tick-tick.
It's time. Finlay Duncan Williams is secretly stocking a predator. Her experience in the war has given her insight into the mind of a killer and as a warrior, a protector, and a weapon, she plans to execute a mission that will reverse the tables on a monster who is killing little girls.
From her first taste to the final outcome, the author slowly and expertly steers the reader down Finlay's dark and disturbing rabbit hole of vengeance. The torture and fitting fate for the depraved and non-human deviants she lures into her pond is uncomfortably satisfying and fitting. Like a middle finger to society's twisted civilized treatment of the horrid beasts who prey on innocent victims.
Finlay's tragic and heartbreaking past is gradually revealed which adds to the intrigue of the book. She is a kickass heroine who is strong, fierce, protective, angry, and fights for justice in her own way. Her fearless pursuit of extremely disgusting monsters puts her in danger, but she has an unusual savior and love interest who accepts her as she is and wants her for his own.
This bone-chilling thriller and dark romance is a twist on human trafficking, serial killers, and the dark web. The writing is superb, the anxiety is high, and the climactic ending is unnerving! Book 2 here I come. Recommend highly!
Thank you to Ms. Whitcomb for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
It's time. Finlay Duncan Williams is secretly stocking a predator. Her experience in the war has given her insight into the mind of a killer and as a warrior, a protector, and a weapon, she plans to execute a mission that will reverse the tables on a monster who is killing little girls.
From her first taste to the final outcome, the author slowly and expertly steers the reader down Finlay's dark and disturbing rabbit hole of vengeance. The torture and fitting fate for the depraved and non-human deviants she lures into her pond is uncomfortably satisfying and fitting. Like a middle finger to society's twisted civilized treatment of the horrid beasts who prey on innocent victims.
Finlay's tragic and heartbreaking past is gradually revealed which adds to the intrigue of the book. She is a kickass heroine who is strong, fierce, protective, angry, and fights for justice in her own way. Her fearless pursuit of extremely disgusting monsters puts her in danger, but she has an unusual savior and love interest who accepts her as she is and wants her for his own.
This bone-chilling thriller and dark romance is a twist on human trafficking, serial killers, and the dark web. The writing is superb, the anxiety is high, and the climactic ending is unnerving! Book 2 here I come. Recommend highly!
Thank you to Ms. Whitcomb for giving me the opportunity to read this book with no expectation of a positive review.
November 15, 2021
This is the first book in a series and one I thoroughly enjoyed. I do love my psychological thrillers! Finley is a bad ass! She is ex Army (like me) and she knows how to handle herself. A very likeable character, but she has her darkness too. I really enjoyed seeing into her twisted and dark mind and the lengths she went to in order to stalk her prey.
All written from the first person perspective (which I love). Finley was flawed and relatable and has a dark sense of humour. The writing style was easy to read, but had enough depth and detail to provide a great experience. I'm so happy that is a series and I can't wait to start to next one.
To be honest there weren't any negative things. Psychological thrillers are my favourite genre and it has everything you could ever want.
All written from the first person perspective (which I love). Finley was flawed and relatable and has a dark sense of humour. The writing style was easy to read, but had enough depth and detail to provide a great experience. I'm so happy that is a series and I can't wait to start to next one.
To be honest there weren't any negative things. Psychological thrillers are my favourite genre and it has everything you could ever want.
May 26, 2022
I had this book come highly recommended to me by a few other indie authors. I was not disappointed to say in the least. I will be honest - it was a little hard for me to get going into the story initially, but once things started to click in place, it became an incredibly fascinating read. Finley is brave, bold and little bit crazy, but she is definitely someone you do not want to mess with in a fight. She is a soldier through and through and will protect the ones she loves and the most vulnerable without a second thought for her own well being. The story itself was intense, gripping and left me craving for more. If you're a fan of psychological thrillers, this is one to definitely check out!
January 15, 2021
Finley is a kick butt woman who is always on a mission! She’s fierce, strong and doesn’t take crap from anybody. Taking the law into her own hands, she fights the demons inside her by bringing justice to the victims who no longer have a voice. The premise of this book—of this series—is so incredibly creative and thought provoking.
I’m completely drawn to Finley’s mind...to her drive and determination to improve the world we live in. Excellent debut from a talented writer!
I’m completely drawn to Finley’s mind...to her drive and determination to improve the world we live in. Excellent debut from a talented writer!
July 8, 2023
Nope, not for me.
I started this a year and a half ago and have been trying to force feed it ever since.
Everyone I know loves this entire series and I felt broken that I could not see what they saw.
Finally I decided to just scrap it. I made it to 74% and just could not do any more.
It's not for me, the characters and story did not draw me in and that's okay.
I started this a year and a half ago and have been trying to force feed it ever since.
Everyone I know loves this entire series and I felt broken that I could not see what they saw.
Finally I decided to just scrap it. I made it to 74% and just could not do any more.
It's not for me, the characters and story did not draw me in and that's okay.
April 3, 2023
Read my full review here: https://www.howdidthatbookend.com/orc...
This book was extremely dark and emotional, but also incredibly interesting and suspenseful. I loved the premise of a former soldier turned vigilante killer.
I love this author’s writing style. Each scene was beautifully written, so much so that I could feel myself there along with Finley. I really enjoyed the relationships the characters had with each other, especially Finley and Lizzie. While this book was very dark and in no way cheerful, it was clear how much Finley cared for her sister and that Lizzie was the only thing keeping the darkness from overtaking Finley.
I don’t know if I fully understood Finley’s motivation to become a vigilante. I know she had PTSD from her time as a soldier and was sickened by the Angel Taker’s actions, but some of her decisions seemed to take the hard route rather than the clear, easier path.
The ending was an awesome cliffhanger, and I can’t wait to get my hands on Book 2 to see what happens next. If you are a fan of dark, suspenseful serial killer novels, this book is definitely for you!
I loved the shark and orca analogies throughout the book. There are evil people in the world (the sharks), but there is always something bigger than the sharks: orcas.
I am definitely looking forward to reading the next two books in the series, both of which have already been published. A quick note: the blurb to the second book gives away the twist of the first book, so don’t read ahead!
This book was extremely dark and emotional, but also incredibly interesting and suspenseful. I loved the premise of a former soldier turned vigilante killer.
I love this author’s writing style. Each scene was beautifully written, so much so that I could feel myself there along with Finley. I really enjoyed the relationships the characters had with each other, especially Finley and Lizzie. While this book was very dark and in no way cheerful, it was clear how much Finley cared for her sister and that Lizzie was the only thing keeping the darkness from overtaking Finley.
I don’t know if I fully understood Finley’s motivation to become a vigilante. I know she had PTSD from her time as a soldier and was sickened by the Angel Taker’s actions, but some of her decisions seemed to take the hard route rather than the clear, easier path.
The ending was an awesome cliffhanger, and I can’t wait to get my hands on Book 2 to see what happens next. If you are a fan of dark, suspenseful serial killer novels, this book is definitely for you!
I loved the shark and orca analogies throughout the book. There are evil people in the world (the sharks), but there is always something bigger than the sharks: orcas.
I am definitely looking forward to reading the next two books in the series, both of which have already been published. A quick note: the blurb to the second book gives away the twist of the first book, so don’t read ahead!
October 7, 2021
Wowzers! I haven’t read a thriller in a while but this was perfect to throw me back in to the genre! This book is fast paced, and incredibly addictive! There are twists all the way though right up to the end, which at me messaging Mariette to express my shock!
I loved Finley’s character, it was a good change to have a female war veteran in the book. In most books it is predominantly male, so this was really refreshing! I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but if you are looking for your next thriller, make it this one!
I can’t wait to dive in to book 2!
5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Recommend ✅
I loved Finley’s character, it was a good change to have a female war veteran in the book. In most books it is predominantly male, so this was really refreshing! I don’t want to give away any spoilers, but if you are looking for your next thriller, make it this one!
I can’t wait to dive in to book 2!
5/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Recommend ✅
April 20, 2024
Really good book loved the story line, I still have a few unanswered questions but as it's a 4 book series I'm hoping we get more of a back story on Finley, loved her character development though looking forward to reading the rest. I've given it four stars because I believe there could of been a bit more of a back story in the first book.
November 9, 2020
Captivating characters and plot. Fiction that seems unavoidably real. Finley is a reader's dream, lovingly dark and so relatable. Word on the street is this series gets better by the chapter. I simply can not wait to climb back into the chaotic,yet adventurous and dark world of Finley, the vigilante that hooks you from the beginning and so is well written by the author, you sometimes forget where you are and that you are not actually in Finley's world.
November 22, 2020
What an amazing book. I enjoyed every page! Filled with suspense, love, chaos and kicking butt. I didn't want to put this book down... If I could have read it all at once I would have! Mariëtte, you have surprised me thoroughly with your writing and I would love to see this as a movie, as I think it is definitely up there with the best books if not the best I have read. Looking forward to the next books in the series. Finley is such an amazing character! Well done!
November 23, 2020
What an awesome, addictive read! I could not stop reading. I am so impressed with Mariëtte's writing. I enjoyed every second of this book. It just shows you how everyone deals with their hurt and disappointments and if only everyone had the passion that Finley has. Finley's character is so great. I loved getting to know her and being in her head. I absolutely cannot wait to read more from Mariëtte Whitcomb! I literally read this book in three days. Could not put it down!
January 26, 2021
What an amazing book, I just couldn't put it down and finished it in 3 days.
What intrigued me the most is that is really happening out there and there is still some good people out there.
Love the charecters especially Finley.
I really cant wait to read the other books in the series.
What intrigued me the most is that is really happening out there and there is still some good people out there.
Love the charecters especially Finley.
I really cant wait to read the other books in the series.
November 20, 2020
Not only does Orca give one the chills and at many a time leaves you at the edge of your seat. Its very current, extremely well written and totaly captivating. It has cool, dark, quirky humor and you will certainly fall in love with LEY. Loved it.
November 24, 2020
Highly Recommend
This book gripped me so intensely and thoroughly. It is a great read and did an amazing job of making you invested in the characters and their lives. I am fully hooked on Finely and am anxious and excited to see where her adventure goes from here.
This book gripped me so intensely and thoroughly. It is a great read and did an amazing job of making you invested in the characters and their lives. I am fully hooked on Finely and am anxious and excited to see where her adventure goes from here.
November 16, 2020
Excellent read! Suspenseful, intriguing, captivating!
February 16, 2024
WOW!!!
That is the best way to sum up this first book in Finley's series. I absolutely LOVED the story line as well as the survival focus of characters.
This book certainly touches on the dark side of thoughts and actions from Finley, but you have to understand her character to know that she is not a dark sadistic person, she is a war veteran and survivor of war crimes, determined to make the world a better place. Just keep reading, it is so worth it!
This book touches on so many sensitive topics but in such a respectful manner, it actually made me feel okay again. IYKYK.
Don't worry, there is a sense of a love story in here too, without giving spoilers ofcourse, for those who dont want only a serious Psychological Thriller, there is dark humor hidden in-between all the seriousness.
The writing of the characters, the story and everything else in-between is very well thought out and meticulously written, it draws you in and wont let go until you are done and need to start the next!
Mariette has quickly become one of all time favorite authors and I am already binging through the rest of Finley's story and to start the other books.
Triggers:
R#pe
Torture
Mental Health Struggles
Death
Abuse Survivors
That is the best way to sum up this first book in Finley's series. I absolutely LOVED the story line as well as the survival focus of characters.
This book certainly touches on the dark side of thoughts and actions from Finley, but you have to understand her character to know that she is not a dark sadistic person, she is a war veteran and survivor of war crimes, determined to make the world a better place. Just keep reading, it is so worth it!
This book touches on so many sensitive topics but in such a respectful manner, it actually made me feel okay again. IYKYK.
Don't worry, there is a sense of a love story in here too, without giving spoilers ofcourse, for those who dont want only a serious Psychological Thriller, there is dark humor hidden in-between all the seriousness.
The writing of the characters, the story and everything else in-between is very well thought out and meticulously written, it draws you in and wont let go until you are done and need to start the next!
Mariette has quickly become one of all time favorite authors and I am already binging through the rest of Finley's story and to start the other books.
Triggers:
R#pe
Torture
Mental Health Struggles
Death
Abuse Survivors
November 24, 2020
Eloquent writing, this book opened up a whole new world to me from page 1. Characters reminds you of someone you might know, someone who has experienced what they have - Brilliant!
It is always mesmerising to find a book that one can relate to, one can visualize, one can talk of with such ease and one that makes you rethink on how well you know the world around you.
Imaginary in the sense of relation not just the surroundings but the characters and situations as well- Imagination Overflow and that is what is needed - Impeccable!
I could relate to many aspects written in Orca ( adult relations, current happenings and past experiences), many situations dotted down but I related to the emotions that I experienced throughout this AMAZING book.
On my last page of Orca I actually got emotional, I got sad because once you get trapped in the writing and the characters come to life it feels like you said good bye to a long time friend - A journey that you never want to end.
I will be following Mariette Whitcomb for ALL her brilliant writing to come in the future - watch this space!
Ticked all my boxes:
√ Brilliant writing
√Emotional
√To the core
√ Detailed
√Just Perfect
√Eloquent
√ Imaginary Brilliance
√ In debt
√In relation to life
It is always mesmerising to find a book that one can relate to, one can visualize, one can talk of with such ease and one that makes you rethink on how well you know the world around you.
Imaginary in the sense of relation not just the surroundings but the characters and situations as well- Imagination Overflow and that is what is needed - Impeccable!
I could relate to many aspects written in Orca ( adult relations, current happenings and past experiences), many situations dotted down but I related to the emotions that I experienced throughout this AMAZING book.
On my last page of Orca I actually got emotional, I got sad because once you get trapped in the writing and the characters come to life it feels like you said good bye to a long time friend - A journey that you never want to end.
I will be following Mariette Whitcomb for ALL her brilliant writing to come in the future - watch this space!
Ticked all my boxes:
√ Brilliant writing
√Emotional
√To the core
√ Detailed
√Just Perfect
√Eloquent
√ Imaginary Brilliance
√ In debt
√In relation to life
November 26, 2021
Loved it! What a great debut novel this was. If you like a dark psychological thriller with a kickass female vigilante, gruesome murders, unthinkably awful actions with a bit of romance thrown in then this is it. The main protagonist is Finley Williams, a former soldier who had been captured and suffered inhumane treatment by her captors. Rescued she suffered from PTSD and her way of dealing with it is vengeance on predators.
Briefly, the Angel Taker is killing young girls, the police are at a loss so Finley decides she will find him. With the help of the dark web she starts her mission, to bring the Angel Taker and all other predators to book for their crimes.
Written in the first person, we see all Finley’s flaws and she has plenty. Her life experiences have scarred her and hardened her. She has no compunction about handing out torture to the men she captures; not for her a quick end for her victims; they must suffer. With a love interest who has his own secrets life is never going to be boring. There’s a massive and surprising twist in the epilogue; I didn’t see that coming. A great read ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Briefly, the Angel Taker is killing young girls, the police are at a loss so Finley decides she will find him. With the help of the dark web she starts her mission, to bring the Angel Taker and all other predators to book for their crimes.
Written in the first person, we see all Finley’s flaws and she has plenty. Her life experiences have scarred her and hardened her. She has no compunction about handing out torture to the men she captures; not for her a quick end for her victims; they must suffer. With a love interest who has his own secrets life is never going to be boring. There’s a massive and surprising twist in the epilogue; I didn’t see that coming. A great read ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
February 10, 2021
'Orca' by Mariëtte Whitcombe is a book that, once I began there was no going back! I have read all genres and they have included dark books but, this one, I think is something totally different. The cover of this book was what first attracted me to it and it turned out the pages held a story that was so vivid it kept me, right there...almost on the edge of my seat for a portion of the book, it felt that way anyway.
Mariëtte is a brand new author for me, so I truly had no idea what to expect. I needn't have thought about it, she has so cleverly created her characters to a depth that you can sense their personalities and they seem like they could actually be someone you know. Her plotting has been so skilfully constructed bringing it to life from the pages almost like it's in front of your very eyes.
I always love it when a new story catches your imagination and am hoping there will be another instalment soon.
Thank you to Emma of Damp Pebbles Blog Tours for my place on this tour and the book for my review.
Mariëtte is a brand new author for me, so I truly had no idea what to expect. I needn't have thought about it, she has so cleverly created her characters to a depth that you can sense their personalities and they seem like they could actually be someone you know. Her plotting has been so skilfully constructed bringing it to life from the pages almost like it's in front of your very eyes.
I always love it when a new story catches your imagination and am hoping there will be another instalment soon.
Thank you to Emma of Damp Pebbles Blog Tours for my place on this tour and the book for my review.
May 31, 2021
⭐⭐⭐⭐.5
Orca, by Mariëtte Whitcomb, takes you on a ride through what is essentially Finley's recovery and management of her PTSD from serving active duty in a war. Finley struggles to find normalcy and purpose and does so in the most non-conventional way-by becoming a vigilante and hunting down the worst of the worst when it comes to criminals.
Super dark and twisty, Finley is not your typical hero. The author does a great job with getting us in her head. I also appreciated how when discussing Finley's findings on the dark web, her hunting ground, we got just enough information to understand what she was looking at, but not so much that it was anything less than tasteful.
Besides Finley, one of my favorite aspects of the book was the use of the id, ego, and super ego. Finley refers to all of these criminals, these predators, as id, completely dehumanizing them....because they deserve nothing less.
This debut novel was such a fun and quick read, and I grabbed the sequel, Deception, immediately!
Orca, by Mariëtte Whitcomb, takes you on a ride through what is essentially Finley's recovery and management of her PTSD from serving active duty in a war. Finley struggles to find normalcy and purpose and does so in the most non-conventional way-by becoming a vigilante and hunting down the worst of the worst when it comes to criminals.
Super dark and twisty, Finley is not your typical hero. The author does a great job with getting us in her head. I also appreciated how when discussing Finley's findings on the dark web, her hunting ground, we got just enough information to understand what she was looking at, but not so much that it was anything less than tasteful.
Besides Finley, one of my favorite aspects of the book was the use of the id, ego, and super ego. Finley refers to all of these criminals, these predators, as id, completely dehumanizing them....because they deserve nothing less.
This debut novel was such a fun and quick read, and I grabbed the sequel, Deception, immediately!
January 23, 2021
Let me start and say - this book is not for the faint hearted. Finley is a complexed, tortured and somtimes intimidating heroine, but she sure kicks ass in the best possible way! Returning home after 4 month of horrible captivity, Finley needs to re-define herself. No longer a soldier she needs to find a new purpose in life. The town of Marcel is under siege when a serial killer known as the Angel Taker abducts and kills little girls and Finley finds her purpose in taking him, and other like him, down.
On the way she will get mixed in with a sniper who is hunting his victims around the city, an Ex-Special forces Israeli guy and people who are the scum of the earth. Finley is not a MC that is easy to like, she is a mix of black, white and a whole lot of grey. But she will reach out and touch your soul and make you love her, despite of all her flaws.
This book is a psychological thriller at its best. Try it, you won't regret it.
On the way she will get mixed in with a sniper who is hunting his victims around the city, an Ex-Special forces Israeli guy and people who are the scum of the earth. Finley is not a MC that is easy to like, she is a mix of black, white and a whole lot of grey. But she will reach out and touch your soul and make you love her, despite of all her flaws.
This book is a psychological thriller at its best. Try it, you won't regret it.
June 8, 2022
I don’t know why but I had high expectations for this book, and I’m happy to say they were reached. This is another book I read in 24 hours. This was such a fast paced story. I loved it. It is a very dark story that could have triggers for people sensitive to violence. It’s disturbingly brilliant. This is not for the faint of heart. I will say that. There were a few spots that were rough transitions for me, but overall I thought it was incredibly well written. I could easily see this made into a movie. I kept picturing “Avi” from Ray Donovan as Ari. Maybe it was because the name was similar? I think there was more to it though - even though Steven Bauer is older than Ari is in the book. Anyways, a great thriller from beginning to end. And the end… can I just talk about the ending for a minute. No spoilers. I just need to say that the ending has me eager to read the next book in the series. Oh yea.
November 24, 2020
I had the honour of reading this book as an ARC reader. I was hooked from the start. I couldn’t stop reading and I finished this book in 3 days while starting my own business...
I fell in love with al the characters but of course mostly with the main character Finley. I couldn’t stop imagining what she goes through and experiences. It feels as if I know her and as if we became friends. Even though this is fiction, one really connects with the characters and in a way becomes a “hunter” in ones mind as well... The storyline is filled with suspense right to the end in many ways. I put myself in Finley’s shoes all the time and pretended to be her as I was reading. I also learnt a lot about things I had no idea about which also intrigued me. I am so excited to read the next book in the Finley series. I look forward to reading more of this authors work.
I fell in love with al the characters but of course mostly with the main character Finley. I couldn’t stop imagining what she goes through and experiences. It feels as if I know her and as if we became friends. Even though this is fiction, one really connects with the characters and in a way becomes a “hunter” in ones mind as well... The storyline is filled with suspense right to the end in many ways. I put myself in Finley’s shoes all the time and pretended to be her as I was reading. I also learnt a lot about things I had no idea about which also intrigued me. I am so excited to read the next book in the Finley series. I look forward to reading more of this authors work.
November 23, 2020
I had the honor of reading the First book in the Finley Series, what a page turner. The characters are well developed and truly intriguing. This book is fast passed and extremely well written. It is clear from every page that the author did extensive research in every subject discussed in the book and relays it in an exiting adventure that grips you until the last page and leave you wanting more. I can not wait for the next book and the twist that the author will most definitely bring, like the many that made Orca. It is hard to believe that this is the author's debut novel!! Congratulations and keep the adventures coming.
September 29, 2021
Even the privileged can lead a dark life, and Finely's is anything but "precious". The story is told from a reflective protagonist's POV when the action isn't happening. Finely is a hardass and true to that description; she's not going to regurgitate her woes as the narrator, which means it took some time to get to know what makes her who she really is. Instead, she does everything with an intensity we want our heroines to embody-including her love life. I was afraid Orca would be wrapped up in a bow in the end, but keep reading! The epilogue will have you dying to know what happens next. "Deception" book 2 in the series, here I come!
February 7, 2021
If you like strong, female lead-characters, then this is definitely the book for you! "Orca" is the first book in the "Finley Series" and what a start to what promises to be an excellent series. This is dark, gritty, and hard to put down thanks to excellent writing, an enthralling plot, and atmospheric scene-setting - not to mention great characters! This one will have you thinking on it long after you've turned the last page.
This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion. My thanks to @damppebblesblogtours
This review was written voluntarily and is entirely my own, unbiased, opinion. My thanks to @damppebblesblogtours
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